Fans get their wish, as Østberg to return

Rally fans have got their wish, with World Rally Championship star, Mads Østberg, confirmed as the international guest at next year’s Otago Classic Rally.

For the second year running, Østberg will drive a Rossendale Rally Team Ford Escort RS1800 as he attempts to win the coveted event for the first time.

The Norwegian has just completed a hugely successful season for the factory Citroen Racing squad in the WRC.

Despite only a limited program, 31-year old Østberg outperformed his team-mates to finish as the team’s leading point-scorer for the season.

His year culminated with a brilliant third place at the season-ending Rally Australia in November.

“I really enjoyed my experience last year, competing on the fantastic New Zealand roads,” Østberg said.

“I have unfinished business, and I’m looking forward to again meeting the friends I made in 2018.”

Østberg retired from this year’s Otago Rally with driveline failure in the Escort.

“We’re delighted to welcome Mads back again,” Otago Rally spokesman, Roger Oakley, said.

“He is a wonderful ambassador of the sport and someone who clearly just loves competing, and meeting the fans and the other competitors.”

His entry comes after recent news that Irishman Frank Kelly will return in his famous ‘Baby Blue’ Escort, while popular rally commentator, Colin Clark, will also attend the event for the first time.

New Zealand’s own WRC star, Hayden Paddon, is also expected to contest the event once again.

The 2019 Dunedin Isuzu Otago Rally will run over the weekend of April 13 and 14, with two-days of fast-paced rally action following a publicity start in Dunedin’s Octagon on Friday evening, April 12.

It is also round one of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship.

The 2019 Otago Rally receives Major Events funding from Dunedin City Council, and is supported by the Otago Community Trust.

For more details on the rally, visit www.otagorally.com

Caption: Mads Østberg in action at the 2018 running of Rally Otago

Media release and photo: Peter Whitten for Rally Otago